[TIFF 2023] THE FEELING THAT THE TIME FOR DOING SOMETHING HAS PASSED -- Hilariously Deadpan and Surprisingly Poignant BDSM Comedy

Review by Sean Boelman

Image Courtesy of TIFF.

Although “restraint” and “cringe comedy” are not necessarily things one would expect to go together, filmmaker Joanna Arnow manages to do just that with The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed. Incredibly uncomfortable yet also unexpectedly warm for a deadpan comedy, Arnow’s film is provocative — but in unexpected and refreshing ways.

The movie follows a thirty-something woman as she navigates life, her infuriating corporate job, her unsatisfying BDSM relationships, and the expectations of her family. When it comes to slice-of-life films, it is important to strike an effective balance between specific and relatable, and Arnow manages to do so brilliantly with The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed.

What makes the movie so entertaining is its commitment to creating the most awkward situations possible. Although the film is certainly not kink-shaming, it does use the BDSM setup to create some situations with a sense of deadpan absurdity that are easy to laugh at — and not with. Some of the dialogue will just catch viewers so off-guard that they’ll start laughing uncomfortably.

However, even though the movie approaches these scenarios with tongue firmly in cheek, it evolves into an exploration of sexuality that is extraordinarily endearing and poignant. The character is never shamed or asked to feel bad for her sexual preferences, but the film does stop to ask if she is doing it for her own pleasure or for some other reason. It’s a refreshing perspective that all too few sex comedies take.

Image Courtesy of TIFF.

As for the other storylines in the movie, they’re slightly less effective than the flashier BDSM one, but they still pose some interesting questions. The protagonist going through the mundanities of corporate America — including one scene in which she’s fighting over her job title — are sure to get a relatable laugh out of viewers, while the aspects involving her family feel more underdeveloped.

Arnow also plays the lead role in the film, and her delivery is perfectly dry in a way that allows the humor to hit wonderfully. She also has an interesting dynamic with each of the actors who play her partners throughout the movie, feeling askew yet still connected. Of those actors, Scott Cohen is probably the best here — not surprising considering that his role is the largest — with a turn that is extremely funny.

The directorial style of the film is very restrained and sensitive, which is important for the success of a movie like this. Although the film is certainly very sexual, it never feels gratuitous because of the extremely naturalistic way in which Arnow presents its most graphic content. It never feels crude, which allows it to be taken more seriously with regard to its themes. 

The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed offers plenty of awkwardly funny situations, but equally impressive is how poignant the movie manages to be in between them. With this, her narrative feature debut, Arnow has established herself as one of the most exciting new voices in indie cinema.

The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed is screening at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, which runs September 7-17 in Toronto, Canada.

Rating: 4.5/5